Six arrested after night of violence and disorder in Plymouth
Fireworks, stones, glass bottles and bricks were thrown amid protests in the city centre, with several officers injured
Last updated 6th Aug 2024
Six people have been arrested following a night of unrest and disorder in Plymouth - as violence broke out amid protests in the city centre.
Riot police lined the streets near the Guildhall on Monday (5 August) trying to keep two rival groups apart.
Fireworks, stones, glass bottles and bricks were thrown, with several officers sustaining minor injuries.
Devon and Cornwall Police said a number of members of the public were also injured, with two taken to hospital.
The Force said: "Our approach to this operation was to enable peaceful protests, but people who were intent on committing public order or criminal offences, have and will be dealt with robustly. This is the style of policing that we have delivered and what our communities expect.
"Violence will not be tolerated, hate will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our partners to keep the people of Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly safe and reduce anti-social behaviour.
"We will continue to take positive action against individuals in breach of the law and have carried out arrests for a range of public order offences and assaults following today's events.
"We will also be following up on post investigative enquiries throughout the coming days."
Plymouth City Council urged people to stay away from the city centre ahead of yesterday's planned protest.
A number of business closed early, with bus services rerouted away from Royal Parade.
Deputy Leader, Cllr Jemima Laing, says they will be assessing the damage this morning:
"I remain incredible angry on behalf of Plymouth that so many people from outside our city felt emboldened to come here and cause disruption and unrest. Thuggery on tour is not acceptable.
"From first light we will assess the damage done to our city centre and Council officers will start the process of repairing the things that are broken and cleaning up the area."
Cllr Laing adds that the City Council will be seeking to meet with representatives from the Muslim community to offer their "continued support and help".
The protests in Plymouth come a week after a knife attack in Southport, Merseyside, in which three young girls were killed.